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Red Bay National Historic Site

Overlooking Tracy Hill/Boney Shore in the Town of Red Bay National Historic Site

View of Visitor Orientation Centre , Red Bay National Historic Site

Bonny Shore Hiking Trail, Red Bay National Historic Site

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In June 2013, Red Bay Basque Whaling Station was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And for good reason. This mystical place is world-renowned. Red Bay takes the essence of Labrador coastal living and transposes it onto a tapestry of rich culture and history.

In the 1500s, the waters of Red Bay were thick with thousands of Basque whalers hunting right whales and bowhead whales for blubber, which was rendered into oil for export to Europe. On Saddle Island, an island at the mouth of the bay, the remnants of whale oil rendering ovens and cooperages sit where Basque hands first built them. Today you can wander around the former whaling town of Red Bay and immerse yourself in history. You can visualize the day the San Juan sank in 1565, only 50 metres away and stand at the whaler's burial ground where 140 colleagues and friends were carefully laid to rest.

Take a hike along the beach and step into the interpretation centre to see an eight-metre chalupa, which whalers used on the ocean to harpoon their giant catch. To get a full appreciation for the size of these whales, compare the chalupa to the assembled collections of whale bones displayed. These showcase a time of prosperity and dangerous adventure, illustrating a long-ago way of life.

If you take a boat or kayak trip to Saddle Island, you will find the remains of a time miraculously preserved. Where once stood the home of the first large-scale whale oil production in the world, now piles of red clay roof tiles can be found on the island, 500 years since its closure.

Getting Here:

Red Bay National Historic Site is part of the Labrador Coastal Drive. It can be reached via ferry from St. Barbe, Newfoundland, to Blanc Sablon, Quebec, and just an 82 kilometre/1-hour drive.

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Directions

Driving distances and calculations derived using Google Maps. Actual driving times may vary. GPS coordinates have been provided by tourism operators. Please confirm location with operator before departure.

Come with us to the top of Atlantic Canada's tallest Lighthouse, Point Amour. Pay respects to the oldest maritime archaic burial mound in North America. Learn how the Basque dominated the 15th century oil industry at Red Bay UNESCO World Heritage Site and "Walk Back in Time" when you set foot on Battle Harbour where you'll think the words tranquility and magical were born. Culinary experiences, accommodations and experiences are perfectly balanced with luxury and historic charm.

Valid 16 Jun - 8 Sep 2017.
Based upon double occupancy. Two person minimum / 10 person maximum basis. Join as an individual, a couple or a family. For family or group rates of 4 or more, please contact us. Booking minimum of 14 days in advance. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking. Includes all meals, accommodations, site fees, local guide and transportation for 4 Days, 3 Nights in Labrador. Fly or drive options available. Strait of Belle Isle Ferry and Alcoholic beverages not included.

Dining in Atlantic Canada's tallest lighthouse is something that hasn't been experienced for more than 50 years. This year Tour Labrador in partnership with Provincial Historic Sites are offering exclusive Friday night opportunities to dine at Point Amour Lighthouse.

Come dine with us at Point Amour Lighthouse and continue the dinner conversation. We've taken traditional, locally sourced fish, vegetables and berries and given it a modern flare to create a three course dining experience.

Valid 7 Jul - 1 Sep 2017.
Dinners are by pre-booking only. Must book by Thursday before dinner date. We put aside 8 tickets for visitors (only) who find out late and want to book by Friday. (to ensure you get a ticket, book by Tuesday)
Minimum of 10 tickets must be sold for Dinner to proceed. Please call 1-709-931-2840 ext. 2 in the days before to confirm whether or not the dinner will be going ahead.

Day one includes visiting the 16th century Basque whaling industry at the new UNESCO World Heritage site in Red Bay. Walk in the footsteps of pioneers on the Pioneer Footpath and visit the Point Amour Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site and visit the 7500 year old Maritime Archaic Burial Mound. Day two we'll experience aquaculture! At AquaLabadie, learn about scallop farming, helping to harvest lines, and enjoy a scallop of your choosing with champagne.

Valid 23 Jun - 1 Sep 2017.
Based upon double occupancy. 2 person minimum / 10 person maximum basis. Join as an individual, a couple or a family. For family or group rates of 4 or more, please contact us. Booking minimum of 14 days in advance. A 50% non-refundable deposit is required upon booking. This package does not include Strait of Belle Isle ferry bookings or cost for ferry crossing. Visit www.labradormarine.com to make your ferry reservation. All meals are included. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Explore Newfoundland and Labrador’s three UNESCO World Heritage Sites at Gros Morne National Park, L’Anse aux Meadows and Red Bay, along with many other natural jewels in Western Newfoundland and Southern Labrador.

A place has many stories. Perched on the edge, often battered by wind and waves, you just know this century old lighthouse has stories to share. Step into our parlour & join us for an intimate and interactive evening of storytelling and music. Sit and relax in the very rooms the lightkeeper did as he kept a constant vigil over the waters of Bonne Bay. Let the soft light of the lanterns transport you back in time and the soothing aroma of freshly baked treats in our kitchen awaken your senses.